The Reserve works in partnership with UW–Superior to improve the understanding of Lake Superior fresh water estuaries and coastal resources.

Inside the building is the reserve's new laboratory and administration offices.

"This is one of two of these NURRs on the Great Lakes and there's 28 of them around the country," said Erika Washburn, the reserve manager. "It's a big deal to be part of this system and represent the upper Great Lakes perspective in estuarine research."

The Lake Superior NERR presently occupies tow waterfront buildings on Barkers Island. The buildings were purchased from funds obtained through a grant from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and are now part of the UW-Superior campus.

The buildings are available to visiting educators, researchers and members of the public.